Saboba: 'Overseas' communities risk crossing River Oti

Residents of the Kucha Electoral Area in the Saboba District of the Northern Region, are suffering preventable losses due to a lack of safe transportation across the swollen River Oti.

Flooding has left those in the “overseas” part of the district cut off from essential services, including emergency healthcare in the district capital, Saboba.

With no outboard motor available, residents are forced to make dangerous river crossings, often relying on unstable dugout canoes in desperation. These delays in transporting patients have led to deteriorating health conditions and, tragically, several fatalities.

Pregnant women are particularly affected, unable to access urgent care when complications arise. The area’s only health facility, which serves eight communities, is severely under-resourced, staffed by a single nurse without essential supplies, electricity, or a midwife. Many women live in constant fear, questioning how they can safely grow their families under such precarious circumstances.

Maborte Afua, a mother of six, described the hardships faced by women, especially pregnant women, in accessing medical care. She recounted how two pregnant women lost their lives this year due to a lack of accessible healthcare. Some women, she explained, are choosing not to conceive, fearing they won’t be able to get the care they need in an emergency. “How can we keep having children when there’s no safe way to get to the hospital if something goes wrong?” Afua asked. Her concerns have led to daily arguments with her husband, further straining their marriage.

Community Youth Leader Moses Kidiwan warned that no ballot boxes would be allowed in the community for the December 7 elections unless the transportation issues were resolved. “Are we not part of Saboba? Do they see us as Togolese? We vote we pay taxes—why is our well-being, not a priority?” he questioned, urging parliamentary candidates and the District Chief Executive to take immediate action.

Assemblyman Adam Gmalaye Njibadam echoed residents' frustrations, noting that the crisis has led to broken homes and social tension. Many women, fearful of crossing the river themselves, expect their husbands to undertake the risky trips to Saboba for essentials, putting further strain on marriages.

The District Chief Executive of Saboba George Bingrini Kitinkawan acknowledged the residents' concerns, especially following recent natural disasters and infrastructure challenges. Mr. Kitinkawan announced that the assembly plans to procure an outboard motor and life jackets to enable safer crossings, aiming to prevent more fatalities and ensure access to essential services.

Until action is taken, residents of Kucha and surrounding communities remain isolated and at risk, with the lives and well-being of their families hanging in the balance.